The Bow Valley’s top wall crawlers again proved why they are amongst the best in the west.
Several local young climbers decimated the competition at the Western Youth Regional Championships in North Vancouver this past weekend, winning five of a possible 10 gold medals.
National Junior Climbing Coach Dung Nguyen said he is ‘super proud’ of his athletes, who performed admirably in British Columbia.
“All 15 athletes have demonstrated amazing fitness, great skills and character… overall, 11 of the local team members advanced to the final round to compete,” Nguyen said.
He noted the athletes are inspired in their quest to make the world championships.
“The whole gang is inspired and want to do their best for themselves,” Nguyen said.
Manon McKasey and Hunter McLaughlin both won top spot in the U11 competition.
“Manon surprised herself with a first-place finish,” Nguyen said.
In the 12-13 year old category, Simon Yamamoto finished first, while Nikolai Kocher was fourth and Alex Fricker fifth. Jaqueline Middleton was the top Canmore female competitior for the girls, finishing sixth.
Sara Frangos was third amongst the 14-15 year old girls, and Becca Frangos finished ninth. On the boy’s side, Morgan Bateman finished sixth and Gregory Sinclair was 14th.
“For Sara, that was a big step. She put things together so she can qualify for worlds,” Nguyen said.
Canmore claimed another gold in the 16-17 year old girls category, where Elise Sethna finished first, right ahead of teammate Alison Vest.
Dexter Bateman was the top Canmore boy in the 16-17 year old category, followed by Lucas Engel, who was 17th.
Rounding out the list of winners, Zach Watson won the gold medal for 18-19 year old boys.
The Vsions gym crew outperformed those from many larger centres. While Canmore had 11 athletes advance to the finals, Calgary had eight, North Vancouver had seven and Edmonton five.
The top 15 finishers in each category qualify for the Canadian nationals, which will be held in Coquitlam, B.C. in July.
Vsions climbing gym will also help host the upcoming IFSC Bouldering World Cup on May 27-28. The event will be the first of its kind in Canada, attracting athletes from around the globe.
“The Japanese team is coming, and so are the Russians. The rest of Europe will confirm,” Nguyen said.
An 80 by 20 foot temporary bouldering wall will be set up in Millennium Park for the world cup event, which will include many other events.
The world cup series is in place as the sport attempts to qualify for the Olympics.
Two local climbers - Eric and Elise Sethna of Banff - will participate in the event.
Tickets will cost $10. More information is available at www.ifscclimbing.ca
